Most Popular French Foods: How to Make Homemade Croque Madame (Recipe Guide)

We will write a guide on how to make Croque Madame one of the most popular breakfasts in the world.

The Croque Madame is a classic French sandwich featuring ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce, topped with a fried egg. It’s a luxurious twist on the Croque Monsieur and is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

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How to Make Croque Madame

Croque Madame Recipe Ingredients

For the Béchamel Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
A pinch of ground nutmeg
For the Sandwich:

8 slices of white bread (preferably thick-cut)
4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
8 slices of ham
2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Emmental cheese)
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons butter (for frying eggs)
Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor

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Step By Step How to Make Croque Madame

Making the Béchamel Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assembling the Sandwich

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly toast the bread slices in a toaster or under a broiler until just golden. Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of toasted bread.

On four slices of bread, place a slice of ham, then sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese. Top with another slice of bread, mustard side down, to form a sandwich.

Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet. Spoon the béchamel sauce over the top of each sandwich, spreading it to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle with additional grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Baking

Bake the sandwiches in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.

Frying the Eggs

While the sandwiches are baking, melt the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry the eggs sunny-side up until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Remove the sandwiches from the oven and top each one with a fried egg.

Serving

Serve Immediately: Serve the Croque Madame hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Tips To Make Croque Madame

Use high-quality, thick-cut bread for a sturdier sandwich. Gruyère is traditional, but Emmental or Swiss cheese are good substitutes. Make sure the béchamel sauce is smooth and lump-free. Whisk continuously while adding the milk.

For perfect sunny-side-up eggs, cook them over medium-low heat and cover the pan briefly to ensure the whites are fully set.

How Many Calories Have Croque Madame

Bread: ~150-200 calories per slice (300-400 calories for two slices)
Ham: ~50-70 calories per slice (100-140 calories for two slices)
Cheese: ~100 calories per 1/2 cup grated Gruyère (200 calories for 1 cup)
Béchamel Sauce: ~150-200 calories
Egg: ~70-90 calories
Butter: ~50 calories

Total: Approximately 870-1130 calories per serving